Student mental health: The facts

The years spent at university coincide with the peak age of onset for a range of mental health difficulties, with 75% of all mental health difficulties developing by the mid-20s.

Today’s generation of young adults are more likely to experience mental illness than previous generations. In England, 19% of 16–24 year olds experience a mental health condition.

Approximately 29% of students experience clinical levels of psychological distress, associated with increased risk of anxiety, depression, substance use and personality disorders.

Universities have, over the past five years, experienced significant increases in demand for counselling and disability services.

According to a global report by Sodexo, almost half of UK students (46%) admit to loneliness during their time at university. This is compared to 32 % globally, with UK students most likely (37%) to consider dropping out compared to their worldwide counterparts.

So what can we do collectively at Derby to improve things for yourself and others?